The relevance of tailoring therapy to client non-diagnostic traits.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relevance of tailoring therapy to client non-diagnostic characteristics in the treatment of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.
IRAS ID
255761
Contact name
Paul Turley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bath Spa University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 4 days
Research summary
Patients diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) are frequently offered a manualised, group treatment programme (STEPPS), one of several evidence-based treatment options within the Personality Disorders Pathway. Despite several evidence-based treatment options being available to EUPD patients, there is currently no clear assessment method to determine the most appropriate treatment option for EUPD patients.
Existing research suggests that an appropriate psychological treatment, as well as being an evidence-based treatment for their particular diagnosis, should also be tailored to a patient’s non-diagnostic characteristics. Two of the non-diagnostic characteristic’s that have been found to be relevant to treatment adaptations are Reactance Level and Coping Style. Existing research evidences that a patient with a High Reactance Level requires an approach that de-emphasises the power-role of the therapist; evidence also shows that a patient with an Introspective Coping Style benefits more from a non-directive, insight-oriented approach. As STEPPS is a directive, manualised treatment with a heavy teaching element it is suggested that patients with High Reactance Levels and Introspective Coping Styles would benefit more an alternative non-directive treatment. Conversely, patients with a Low Reactance Level and Extrospective Coping Style would be more responsive to the STEPPS treatment programme.
The aim of this study is to explore any correlation between clinical outcomes from the STEPPS treatment programme and their respective Reactance Levels and Coping Styles. Clinical outcomes will be measured through a self-report quantitative measures, administered pre- and post-treatment; individuals’ Reactance Levels and Coping Styles are assessed using self-report questionnaires pre=treatment.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
18/WS/0233
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion